United States of America: New York

Sub Navigation

Breadcrumb

Discover Palermo

Do you want to visit impressive attractions? You’re looking for the most famous shopping miles or enchanting boutiques for the perfect shopping trip? Or you’re interested in fascinating buildings of art and culture? We’ve compiled a selection for you.

Mondello Bay

For nature-lovers

Mondello Bay is probably the most beautiful beach within the vicinity of Palermo. A fine sand beach with turquoise waters, inviting you to bathe in the sun and the sea. Mondello Bay is located 10 kilometres west of Palermo. The beach is highly popular with locals and tourists alike and is very lively in summer. The easiest way to get to the beach is with the bus 806.

Sant Giovanni degli Eremiti church

No trip to Palermo is complete without a visit to this church. It is located near the Norman Palace in the historical city centre. The church is an architectural highlight, built in three different eras: Byzantine, Arabian and Norman. The construction of the church began in 1130 under Roger II, King of Sicily, and was completed in 1143.

Old Town

Historic tour

The Old Town is composed of four different city quarters: Kalsa, Albergheria, La Loggia and Il Capo, with Kalsa being the most well-known. Following the Second World War, this district became a stronghold for the Mafia. It has, however, been making a comeback since the 1980s and is nowadays considered safer than many city centres in northern Italy. The Old Town's central square is the Quattro Canti, which is the crossroads between Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Maqueda. It is a good idea to explore the city from the top deck of a tour bus.

Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace)

Seat of parliament

The Royal Palace, also known as the Norman Palace, is situated at the highest point of the oldest part of the city. Initially built as a military stronghold, it was gradually converted into a royal palace and centre of power. Today the palace is the seat of the Sicilian parliament. This section is only open to the public via guided tour. However, the main entrance and inner courtyard with Renaissance arcades are worth a visit on your own.

Monte Pellegrino

For nature-lovers

Monte Pellegrino dominates the city of Palermo and is situated around 4 kilometres from the centre. This 606-metre-high hill is now a nature reserve, providing protection for the caves that contain Stone Age rock paintings. The hill has been a major site of pilgrimage since the 17th century. Goethe described Monte Pellegrino as the “most beautiful promontory in the world”. An excursion here is a welcome distraction from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Ceramiche Tre Erre

Finest craftsmanship

If you’re looking for ceramics and you like the art of majolica, you've come to the right place. This is a beautiful shop selling assorted decorative objects, where all goods are made and painted by hand. You may have to dig a little deeper into your pockets, but there are also many less expensive works of art that are also bound to look good at home.

La Vucciria

Into the hustle and bustle

As you walk towards the harbour along Via Roma, by Piazza San Domenico, the noise increases: you know that you've arrived in the Vucciria streets. The market was made famous by the painting “La Vucciria” by the Sicilian painter Renato Guttuso. Once you’ve become accustomed to the volume of noise and swarms of people, you're ready to enjoy authentic Palermo. You can buy (almost) anything here, and there is are a fair share of restaurants and bars.

Mercato del Capo

Arabic influences

The Mercato Capo is one of the oldest markets in Sicily and takes place every day. The Arabic influences of the past are still in evidence today, for example, the assorted oriental clothing. Simply stroll along Via Raimondi through the many stalls and breathe in the various aromas – citrus fruits, spices, exotic fragrances and fresh fish.

Teatro Massimo

Italy's biggest opera house

Teatro Massimo is the largest opera house in Italy and the third largest in Europe. Constructed by Giovanni Battista Filippo Basile and his son Ernesto Basile, this impressive structure features Historicist design elements. The imposing interior has a monumental staircase with two lion sculptures and a large cupola. Operas, ballets and concerts are held here today. The teatro was also used as a setting in “The Godfather – Part III” by Francis Ford Coppola.

Museo Archeologico Regionale Antonio Salinas

Historic treasures

The Museo Archeologico Regionale Antonio Salinas presents a collection of archaeological finds, which largely originate from western Sicily, and which date from prehistory to the late Roman era. The museum is housed in a former monastery with two charming inner courtyards and arcades. The archaeologist Antonio Salinas contributed significantly to the growth of the museum collection, which is why the name of the museum has been dedicated to him.

Galleria d’Arte Moderna

Modern art

This gallery primarily displays Sicilian landscape paintings, for example, those by Antonio Leto. Other 19th century works include sculptures by Mario Rutelli and Antonio Ugo. 20th century artists are also represented, with works including a self-portrait by Renato Guttuso. 214 selected works, 176 paintings and 38 sculptures are waiting to be discovered. Many art connoisseurs consider this to be the best collection of modern Italian art.